ioki is launching its new, integrated on-demand shuttle service in Hamburg together with the transport operator Verkehrsbetriebe Hamburg-Holstein (VHH).

TX taxis, which combine an electric motor with a small petrol generator, will be used as easily accessible shuttles that can be ordered by app and will use customised routes to get ride-sharers to their destination.

One of the ioki TX London taxis in Hamburg (Image: Handout, Publicity Picture)

Efficient public transport

Developed as part of the Smart City partnership with Hamburg City Council, the “ioki Hamburg” shuttle is a new addition to public transport within Germany’s second largest city.

The system will be fully integrated with the city’s public transport network – meaning travel cards or tickets are valid on the shuttle.

Using mobility data analytics, ioki has been able to identify where in Hamburg the current need for this service is greatest and will be using its initial order of taxis to fill this gap.

The new service is fully integrated in the local pricing system and can be booked via app.

Rides may either start at any given address in the covered area and terminate at a transport stop or the other way round.

One of the ioki TX London taxis in Hamburg (Image: Handout, Publicity Picture)

Reason London taxi was chosen

ioki has decided to use LEVC’s electric taxi for the service due to its zero emissions and accessibility for wheelchair passengers and those travelling with pushchairs or prams.

Other accessibility features include induction loops for hearing aids as well as contrasting grab handle edges and braille controls for the partially sighted or blind.

Chris Gubbey, CEO of LEVC said: “We built the TX to tackle the mobility issues of the future, making this vehicle ideal for ioki’s use as a ride-sharing vehicle.

“We are delighted to be working with a firm that takes such a collaborative approach to working with regulators and local authorities – ultimately to create a more accessible transport system that works for everyone.”

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Berthold Huber, member of the management board for passenger transport at Deutsche Bahn said: “Our objective of introducing the new ioki Hamburg on-demand service is to increase mobility while reducing traffic.

“The shuttle conveniently ties in with the existing public transport services. This will allow people to leave their cars at home.”